Tired of the staffing struggle? Feeling overwhelmed by the hiring process? This session will ditch the tired, old tactics and show you how to weaponize technology to dominate your staffing game.

We'll explore cutting-edge solutions to:

• Reduce turnover and increase retention.
• Gain valuable data insights for tracking key hiring metrics, identifying recruitment bottlenecks and managing employee performance and engagement.
• Improve communication and collaboration between management, staff and customers to streamline operations, improve efficiency and foster a more positive and productive work environment.

This session will equip restaurant owners with the tools and strategies to navigate the challenging landscape of inflation and rising costs.

We'll delve into:

• Identifying key cost drivers.
• Cost-cutting strategies.
• Menu engineering and pricing strategies.
• Supply chain optimization.
• Leveraging technology.
• Negotiating with suppliers.
• Communicating price increases to customers.

Join us to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence within the fast casual restaurant landscape.

We'll move beyond the hype and delve into real-world examples and actionable strategies for leveraging AI to:

• Optimize kitchen operations.
• Predictive inventory management.
• Streamline order fulfillment.
• Enhance food quality.
• Improve customer experience with personalized recommendations and AI-powered chatbots.
• Create targeted marketing.
• Identify emerging trends.

Attendees will explore how to leverage data analytics and loyalty programs to deliver personalized experiences.

We’ll discuss:

• Collecting and analyzing customer data to tailor experiences to individual customer needs and expectations.
• Designing a loyalty program that incentivizes customer engagement and data collection.
• Driving operational efficiency by using data to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and improve kitchen efficiency.
• Leveraging data to identify operational bottlenecks and improve service delivery.

Restaurant professionals will leave this session with the knowledge and tools to optimize financial performance across all restaurant locations.

We will explore:

• Site selection and feasibility analysis by evaluating demographics, competition and market potential.
• Developing accurate financial projections for new and existing locations and creating and managing budgets to control costs and maximize profitability.
• Cost control and profit optimization by identifying and mitigating cost drivers specific to each location.
• Location-based marketing and promotions.

The restaurant supply chain is experiencing rapid evolution, driven by a heightened focus on resilience and geopolitical and economic volatility. This session explores how to prepare for those changes.

We’ll discuss:

• Diversification strategies, exploring alternative sourcing options, and building closer relationships with domestic suppliers to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of operations.
• Improving inventory optimization with AI-powered tools to forecast demand, optimize stock levels and minimize waste, reducing reliance on just-in-time delivery models.
• Robotics and automation: The use of robotics and automation in warehouses and distribution centers is accelerating, improving efficiency, reducing labor costs and enhancing safety.   
• Data-driven decision making.
• Sustainability and ethical sourcing
• Enhancing traceability.
• Hyperlocal and on-demand services.

The traditional franchise model is evolving rapidly driven by changing consumer demands, technological advancements and a shift in franchisee expectations.

This session will explore the latest trends and innovations in franchising, including:

• Micro-franchising: Exploring the potential of smaller-scale, lower-cost franchise opportunities and their impact on accessibility and market penetration.
• Technology-enabled franchising: Leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance communication, and empower franchisees with data-driven insights.
• Shared-service models.
• Multi-unit franchising and area development:
• Empowering the modern franchisee with data-driven decision-making and continuous learning and development.
• Building strong franchisee communities.
• Fostering Innovation and local adaptation while maintaining brand consistency.

Experts will discuss how restaurants leverage self-service technology to improve profitability, enhance efficiency and delight guests while maintaining a budget-friendly approach.

Attendees will:

• Learn how to start small and scale.
• Investigate cost-effective options, such as using basic POS systems with self-service features, free or low-cost online ordering platforms, existing tablets or mobile devices and partnering with third-party providers for tiered pricing or pay-per-use models.
• Explore how to optimize the menu for self-service.
• Learn how to train staff effectively.
• Learn how to leverage data to identify areas for improvement and cost optimization.
• Promote self-service options to encourage guest adoption.

Effective marketing is crucial for fast casual restaurants to thrive, but large budgets aren't always feasible, especially for smaller businesses. This session will explore creative and cost-effective social media strategies to drive customer traffic and boost your bottom line.

Attendees will discuss:

• Leveraging user-generated content.
• Identifying and partnering with local businesses and influencers.
• Cross-promotion opportunities and joint marketing campaigns.
• Building a strong local network through social media engagement.
• Crafting compelling brand narratives that resonate with your target audience.
• Creating visually appealing and shareable content.
• Developing a consistent brand voice across all social media platforms.
• Maximizing social media presence and optimizing social media profiles for search and discoverability.
• Monitoring and responding to customer comments and messages.
• Using social media analytics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Restaurants are constantly searching for innovative ways to attract and retain guests, which is why this session explores the potential of integrating gaming technology and other forms of entertainment into the dining experience.

Experts will discuss:

• Creating a unique dining experience with interactive games, arcade games, trivia challenges, virtual reality experiences, interactive tabletops and live entertainment options
• Engaging all ages: Strategies for creating a fun and inclusive environment for families, couples, and groups of friends.
• Building customer loyalty: Utilizing gamification to reward repeat visits and encourage customer engagement.
• Developing strategic pricing models for gaming and entertainment options.
• Leveraging data to understand guest preferences and optimize offerings.
• Selecting and integrating appropriate technologies. 
• Training staff to effectively manage and promote entertainment options.

The drive-thru experience is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technology and changing consumer expectations. This session will explore the evolving landscape of drive-thru dining and equip attendees with strategies to navigate these changes while maximizing profitability for off-premise orders.

We'll delve into:

• Emerging technologies, including  digital ordering and mobile payments, implementing dynamic menu boards, voice-activated ordering, using AI-powered recommendations to personalize order suggestion.
• Customer experience trends.
• Innovative approaches to increase check size and drive customer loyalty, such as exclusive deals and promotions for digital and mobile orders, subscription models and loyalty programs tailored to off-premise customers.
• Minimizing wait times and ensuring order accuracy and providing a seamless pick-up experience.
• Analyzing order data to identify customer preferences.
• Tracking KPIs to measure the effectiveness of off-premise strategies.
• Utilizing customer feedback to refine operations and enhance the overall drive-thru experience.